Die, Die, Birdie

Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery #19

by Joanna Campbell Slan

A twisty page-turner of a cozy mystery book where family secrets and feathered friends make for a fowl combination.
When her son's new pet becomes evidence in a murder case, craft store owner Kiki Lowenstein-Detweiler discovers that some family secrets are worth killing for. This cozy mystery book featuring a mom-turned-sleuth takes flight when eight-year-old Erik announces his birthday He wants a bird. What he gets is Solo, a traumatized peach-faced lovebird whose mate was devoured by a boa constrictor at a local pet shop. (This is a cozy pet mystery with realistic characters. The boa constrictor incident is based on the author’s experience while working in a pet shop!)
Thing really get wild when Kiki learns that Solo originally belonged to Ruthie Goldman, a beloved community member who died after a brutal robbery. Kiki quickly realizes that Solo is no ordinary rescue pet. At the heart of this charming mystery with crafts and laughs is a lonely little boy and a lonely little bird. Solo may be small, but he's carrying big secrets—literally. X-rays reveal the tiny bird has swallowed several stolen diamonds. But the feathers really fly when someone tries to track down Erik's feathered friend. Suddenly, Kiki's entire family is in danger.
But Kiki is an amateur sleuth who has had experience solving crimes. She resolves to protect her family while helping to close a murder that hits frighteningly close to home.
This cozy mystery with a lovable dog delivers a perfect new adventure in this laugh-out-loud cozy mystery series!
Fans of cozy mysteries will delight in this charming blend of family drama, crafts, small-town realistic characters, and feathered friends. Kiki Lowenstein-Detweiler proves once again that the most dangerous mysteries often begin with the most innocent questions.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, although if you skip the others, you’ll miss a lot of the fun! Eager for a “Happily Ever After” ending? Then this series will delight you. It’s perfect for readers who love Laura Childs, Clare O'Donohue, Elaine Viets, Alexander McCall Smith, Diane Mott Davidson, Brianna Bates, Ellery Adams, Tonya Kappes, Cindy Bell, Lois Winston, and Mollie Cox Bryan. If you crave stories that entertain, inspire, and educate, Joanna Campbell Slan delivers exactly the kind of books you'll treasure. Discover why readers call Kiki their "new best friend" and grab your copy today!

Genres: Mystery

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

National bestselling and award-winning author Joanna Campbell Slan was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but she grew up in a small town in Indiana. After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in journalism, she worked as a newspaper reporter, a newspaper ad salesperson, a television talk show host, a college teacher, a public relations professional, and a motivational speaker. In that capacity, she was named by Sharing Ideas Magazine as “one of the top 25 speakers in the world.”

Slan's work has appeared in five of the New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and one of those became a television show. She is the author of nearly 80 books, nonfiction and fiction, including Death of a Schoolgirl, which won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.

Joanna's personal essays have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and one was made into a television program on the Pax Network. The college textbook Joanna wrote—Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience—has been praised as an invaluable resource by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter and endorsed by Toastmasters, International.

RT Book Reviews has called Joanna “one of mystery’s rising stars.” Her first novel—Paper, Scissors, Death—was an Agatha Award finalist. It features Kiki Lowenstein, a spunky single mom who lives in St. Louis. The sixth book in that series will be released Summer 2013.

Kirkus Reviews has said, “Slan’s mysteries are most valuable for the well-developed characters and the issues they raise.” RT Book Reviews has said, “Kiki is so darn entertaining that she’ll keep readers hooked.” A series of short stories featuring Kiki are available on Kindle.

Joanna’s newest series—The Jane Eyre Chronicles—began with Death of a Schoolgirl (Berkley) and continues with the release of Death of a Dowager. The series features Charlotte Brontë’s classic heroine Jane Eyre as an amateur sleuth.

As “Lila Dare,” Joanna has penned the fourth book in the Southern Beauty Shop series—Wave Good-bye.

Joanna is married to David Slan. The Slans live on Jupiter Island, Florida.

Website: www.JoannaSlan.com

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaCampbel...

Twitter: @JoannaSlan

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a good read on Joanna Campbell Slan

Loved the fast pace of the book.I would recommend any books by the Author. The only thing I disliked about the book was the name Lark for ex-wife and Lark for girl friend. Was this a typo error or did the author use the name for a reason.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another exciting Kiki Lowenstein mystery. I love these stories as they include a good blend of family drama, crafts, small-town realistic characters, and family pets. This story introduces a bird that her son Eric wanted and received for his birthday. This bird had a lot of extra issues that provided an excellent and thrilling story.

[Rochelle Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story

Fast moving and interesting. There were a couple of places where the editing mistakes were a bit jarring. For example when Sonny is explaining that Larks father wasn't Jewish but he says "Cassie" instead. Throws off the flow a bit.

[Darlene C Robold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book in this series. Unique story threads that all tied together in the end. Birds, congregations, customers, businesses, jewels, different viewpoints , fascinating facts, and an author who weaves together a fascinating story. One of the best in this series.

[Dorothy Timm · Rating 4 out of 5]

an enjoyable book. The only slightly confusing part was that two minor characters were referred to by the same first name. However, besides that, it was well-paced and fun to read. I'll be checking for other books by this author

[Susan Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamonds, Birds and Embryos

This book has more of a twisted mystery in it then most of the series does. But it also covers the tangled web of family and all their ups and down. One of the best in the series.

[Kimberly]

Great book

Loved this book didn,t want to stop reading to even go to sleep. Wss as good as all her books are.

[Margie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

I'm a huge fan of Joanna Campbell Slan and her latest book did not let me down! Its always great to read what Kiki, her family and friends are up to now.

[Carol K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good series. I just love Kiki and everybody. This was another wonderful story and I can't wait for the next one.

[Brenda Maximenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! Kiki is a wonderful character and I will be reading more of Joanna Campbell Slan’s books. Thoroughly enjoyed the read!

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read! Thankful I received a copy as a Goodreads Giveaway!

[ALMA JOLENE FAHY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super read

Loved all of Kiki Lowenstein books. As a devoted scrapbook fanatic. I learn new things every book plus a good mystery story.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to win a GoodReads Giveaway ARC and am sharing my review as I agreed to do so. And, no spoilers.

I am a big fan of this series and I was not disappointed in Die, Die Birdie, #19 in the Kiki Lowenstein mystery series.
This novel series is well written, with characters that come across as real people. While each mystery is easily a standalone story, the series does progress timewise, with the family members growing/maturing and developing just as we real people do. I enjoy crafts so the tie in to scrap-booking has been a draw and I always enjoy learning craft tips as I read.

For this mystery, I was a bit puzzled that two characters had the same first name, which is not a common name. I found it a bit confusing and frequently had to go back and re-read a paragraph or two to make sure I was following. It may not bother others, but I felt it a negative, though a slight one. There may have been a strong reason the author did this, but I didn't get it. Again, not a big issue and it didn't stop me from enjoying the story.

Four stars from me - I enjoyed this new installment and would recommend it.

[Kayla Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read about Kiki and Family!

As all readers of “Kiki” know, there is always something extra going on in her life. This book is creative in the ways the story begins and unfolds. Who knew a “crafter’s” life could be so exciting? The way every step of the story intertwines provides the desire to read one more page before you take a break in reading, or you might just read the whole thing in one sitting…